> But I am wondering how well Bob Blicks circuits would meet the budget. 
> There
> is a reasonable number of components on those.

Around $US0.20 in China in 10ks for his PFM boost converter.

Digikey in 100's, somewhat more..

Still under $2 by quite a long way I think.

The boost converter could drive an arbitrarily large through hole FET with a 
bit more playing. A D-Pak is probably essentially through hole for this 
application - ie can be easily hand soldered. Failing that a TO220 FET. Use 
output to provide gate drive voltage and it should work well enough. FET 
needs to switch after a fashion at Vgs= 1 volt for startup, but need not run 
well there.




            Russell

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